If you are one of the millions of people who predicted that a Donald Trump presidency would be dangerous for the nation and world, you would be right. In fact, on Thursday, your fears were confirmed by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, who moved the Doomsday Clock - which tracks our march to the end of civilization as we know it, largely due to humanity’s own hubris - closer to midnight than it has been since 1953, when hydrogen bombs were being tested.
There is a perfect storm of factors that caused the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists - the non-political, non-partisan, Nobel laureate-filled group that created and manages the clock - decide that we are in imminent peril of destroying humanity. However, one big reason for their choice is sitting in the White House right now, and his name is Donald Trump.
The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists says the following of what prompted them to set the clock at just two minutes and thirty seconds to midnight:
“Over the course of 2016, the global security landscape darkened as the international community failed to come effectively to grips with humanity’s most pressing existential threats, nuclear weapons and climate change … This already-threatening world situation was the backdrop for a rise in strident nationalism worldwide in 2016, including in a U.S. presidential campaign during which the eventual victor, Donald Trump, made disturbing comments about the use and proliferation of nuclear weapons and expressed disbelief in the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change.”
They went on to say of Trump’s reckless rhetoric and destabilizing effects:
“Even though he has just now taken office, the president’s intemperate statements, lack of openness to expert advice, and questionable cabinet nominations have already made a bad international security situation worse.”
Unveiling their unprecedented decision to move the clock forward by a full 30 seconds at the National Press Club were former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Thomas R. Pickering and physicist Lawrence Krauss. Krauss said, most ominously:
“President Trump and President Putin, who claim great respect for each other, can choose to act together as statesmen, or act as petulant children, risking our future.”
That statement was a bold one, and Los Angeles Times reporter Tracy Wilkinson asked of Krauss:
“You said this shouldn’t be left in the hands of one or two leaders making crazy statements. I know you mean Trump, but is the second person Putin?”
Krauss answered yes. Those are the two most dangerous men in the world, and with Trump installed as Putin’s puppet, they are also the most powerful. If we survive Trump’s term without ending humanity as we know, it will truly be a wonder.
America had the choice to choose wisely, and instead, we chose a Russian stooge and a madman who could literally end the world as we know it.
Featured image via BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images